Page 68 of Saved by Him

The casual way my father spoke of murder and body disposal was more chilling than the shouting and ranting.

“Can I take care of her too?” Jalen asked, his expression a mask of calm. “I mean, she’s not pregnant, but she’s been a lot of trouble.”

“Do you think I’m an idiot?!” Willis shouted. “You’re going to kill them and blame it on me!”

I felt his muscles tense a split second before he moved, and I acted on instinct, spinning toward the knife rather than away from it. I jerked my head down and away as I dropped to my knees and rolled, ignoring the agony ripping across my jaw and up my cheek. I couldn’t tell how bad the damage was as hot liquid spilled down my face, but I could see and breathe, and that was enough.

Everything seemed to happen all at once.

Jalen shouted my name.

Willis cursed and kicked at me.

Elise screamed and covered her stomach.

She really was pregnant.

The realization hit me a moment before I knew what my father was going to do next.

I reached out and grabbed his foot, the sickest feeling of déjà vu coming over me. He twisted as he fell, and for a moment, his eyes met mine. Something that looked a lot like relief flashed across his face, and then he slammed into the floor. The world went still, as if everything held its breath to see what would happen next.

He didn’t move.

Jalen knelt, putting himself between me and Willis. Cautiously, he reached down, fingers pressing against my father’s neck. When he turned toward me, I knew it was over. I closed my eyes and let Jalen wrap his arms around me as he shouted at Elise to stop freaking out and call the police. I might cry later, but right now, I was just glad that it was done.

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